PITCH PERFECT FOR COUNTRY CLASH

A CONCERT featuring Aussie music greats The Black Sorrows and True Blue singer John Williamson will take over the MCG this weekend for the third instalment of the Country Game.

Sheep shearing, a ute muster and farmer’s market with more than 50 stalls from regional producers will be set up in Yarra Park ahead of the Geelong-Essendon clash on Saturday.

A pre-match ceremony will pay tribute to thousands of volunteers who form the fabric of regional communities.

A boutique beer garden will also be set up outside the ground along with food trucks, a barbecue and camel rides.

Footy legend Kevin Sheedy created the Country Game to recognise the contribution of people from the bush and the ups and downs they endure.

He yesterday rubbed shoulders with Essendon’s Zach Merrett, Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and a barnyard of farm animals outside the MCG to launch the event.

Picture: DAVID CAIRD Geelong player Tom Hawkins and Essendon’s Zach Merrett get back to the bush with some farm animals ahead of the Country Game at the MCG on Saturday.